Homeschool Parents, what do you suggest for State History?

Question

My state (WA) requires that we study State History. MY daughter has been using SOS state History, but it really is poorly laid out. The tests ask questions about irrelevant details instead of focusing on the main ideas and events. For example, one question asked the child to identify which of four colors was not used on the space needle, and followed with a list of names like galaxy green, astronaut white, etc. My response to that was "WHO CARES?" I know if I was studying that, and taking notes, I would pass by the paint colors as an irrelevant detail and not put them in my notes. There were many other such questions, and I wasn't surprised that my daughter didn't do well trying to remember such drivel.

So does anyone have a suggestion for an INTERESTING and relevant study of State History?

Answer 1

I use the lapbook packs from Hands of a Child - they have several for individual states, and one that you can use to study any state's history.  They're well laid out and I know a lot of kids who have really enjoyed them, from elementary through high school.

I tried many curricula too - OK has the same requirement - and this is the only one that interested my son at all.  He loved it and wants to study each state with one in a couple of years when we study US geography again.

Edit - RK's suggestion is helpful.  In OK, we have a site run by a homeschool mom whose kids have all graduated, and she does a lot to make state history incredibly interesting.  http://oklahomahomeschool.com/ (I think you can see samples of the scrapbook and study online to get ideas.)  One of the products that she carries is a state scrapbook, which opened my eyes to a lot of things I didn't even know existed in our state (I didn't grow up here).  Field trips and making a state scrapbook/notebook/lapbook are ways to make the study "real" to your daughter, and it can be an ongoing project as your family is able to travel around the state.

Answer 2

I think the best way to do state history is not with a specific book, but by combining all the resources available.

Libraries have plenty of books on state history.  Places like Barnes and Noble or Borders also have local history sections.  If you can find a good "regular," non-textbook book about the history of your state, that may be the best option.  You could then make up your own tests based on what you think is most important.

In addition, try to visit the state capitol!  State capitols usually have a wealth of information in all the touristy places.

You may also want to look for a book, brochure, or website dealing with the most important issues in the state (such as agriculture and exports, historical figures from the state, etc).

Answer 3

Not sure if these will help or not... but they look interesting...

On the middle link, click on CyberTours on the left hand of the screen...

The third is very high level at a glance type stuff....

Answer 4

I know this isn't going to specifically help with Washington state, but there is a company called the Notgrass Co.

http://www.notgrass.com and they have the most spectacular state study programs I have ever seen for Georgia and Tennessee.  Though they don't have a program for Washington, I would suggest you contact them (they are a homeschooling family and understand homeschoolers and their needs) and see what they can suggest.  You never know...they may know of a small company like their own in that area, that would provide such materials.  They do curriculum fairs all the time and I'm sure they may have made contacts out there.  

If nothing else, perhaps you could use the Table of Contents on the Notgrass Website to gather your own unit study together.  Who knows.....might turn into a cottage industry for you.

Best wishes to you.

Answer 5

I'm with you - the SOS stuff is just awful - JMO.

Carole Marsh & her Gallopade publishing have some awesome state books:

http://www.gallopade.com/

You can choose your state over on the left.  Here's the WA page anyway ;-).

http://www.gallopade.com/catalog.cfm?Cat...

I don't know if she has a set history curriculum.  Perhaps the CD-rom covers it?  But her other materials are wonderful!!!!

I've gotten some of her stuff on PaperBackSwap.

http://www.paperbackswap.com

Answer 6

Washington's History: The People, Land, and Events of the Far Northwest.

I was lucky, my son had Empire, the story of New York

Answer 7

The eclectic book ideas are good, but this is an area where field trips really help.

Visit the Washington State History Museum in Tacoma, also their website has some other good ideas about such sidelines as railroads and native American art at the Tacoma Art Museum.

http://www.wshs.org/

Consider combining human history with geological history. Do a search under Geological History field trips Washington State.

Visit the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center at Cape Disappointment State Park. Go camping. Stay in a yurt.

I am sure you will be able to find a lot more resources if you think in terms of active, hands-on learning that will bring history alive. Create and document your own curriculum. Have fun.

Answer 8

I believe kids like to know more about individuals than events and dates.  I suggest a history of the state fathers of WA and who the natives were occupying the land when the settlers arrived and when the WA became state of the union.

God Bless and With You!